Ethan Galbraith grins broadly as he remembers the dramatic dying seconds of his team's epic comeback win against Nottingham Forest in the EFL Cup. The game culminated with Galbraith temporarily wearing a spectator's eyewear after the post-goal scrum.
During the final moments of stoppage time, Galbraith struck the post with a long-range shot from 25 yards, and Cameron Burgess immediately hammered in the deflection before charging toward the home end to revel in the moment, with supporters mobbing the players.
Stunning Reversal
This sealed an extraordinary comeback given the Welsh side had been behind 2-0 deep into the second half. During the euphoria, there was some minor mishaps. The midfielder recalled, "There was a supporter sort of calling out and we were wondering: 'What's he on about here?' Then we noticed the glasses. It was a light-hearted moment putting them on. We are on the pitch as athletes but we're humans, too, so to have a bit of craic with the fans is always good."
Pep Guardiola Test
The result secured a upcoming match at home against Manchester City on Wednesday, opponents Galbraith came close against at the equivalent round of the FA Cup with his former club in February. He had an excellent perspective when Orient took the lead in remarkable manner, with the attacker's volley from about way out going in via the crossbar and the opposition keeper. Many argued that it was credited as an own goal.
"You would have wished they would've given it to him for attempting the shot from that distance," says Galbraith, who began the game centrally before switching to right defensive wing after Orient changed tactics. That meant facing off against City's winger, with whom he exchanged jerseys, and the winger was among the City players who paid tribute to the way Orient played positively.
Guardiola's System
"Fitness-wise they are outstanding but even the simple things and routine actions, they can just perform consistently," Galbraith says. "It feels like they complete every delivery and they are adept at control and neutralize a game. You can believe you're holding your own and then abruptly they will just fizz a pass between defenders without you even spotting it. You have to be focused at all times of the game. It demands a strong mentality and attention just to stay in the game."
Welsh Transition
The club were keen on Galbraith in January and fought off rivals to bring him in in the summer in a significant move. He established himself as a fans' favourite across multiple campaigns at Orient and has quickly replicated that in Wales. At Orient he linked up again with Richie Wellens, who four years ago gave Galbraith his first extended run in first-team action on loan at a League One side from United. Then came a spell at League Two the Manchester club, before he moved on from Old Trafford.
Growth Journey
"I was likely a slightly green going into senior level. I think many athletes would say development squad matches is completely distinct. Sometimes it seems the ball is moved without serious challenge. There's not many hard challenges. Once you start playing first-team football you have to adjust fast."
International Recognition
He has demonstrated that growth for his team and nation, excelling for the Green and White Army, who are fighting to qualify for the international competition next summer via the qualifying rounds and for whom he has been selected in the recent fixtures, including both legs encounters against Germany. The ex-coach, Galbraith's ex- international manager, offered the supreme accolade, saying he was Northern Ireland's "midfield general" given how he handles the football and his ability to spot a decisive through ball.
Early Days
This represents an incredible journey for the kid from the Queens Park estate in his hometown, just outside the capital, who grew up watching his parent, the elder Galbraith, also a engine room operator, play for Ballyclare Comrades.
Old Trafford Memory
His single match for Manchester United came in Kazakhstan in 2019, a Europa League trip to the host city, where they played on an artificial pitch and the stadium roof was shut owing to temperatures of -15C. "It was a long trip and it was chilly," he comments, grinning. "The days leading up, myself and quite a few of the young lads trained together, so that aided our adjustment. Just to accompany the senior squad and make an appearance at the end was amazing."
Leaving United
How hard was it to leave United, the club he joined from Linfield aged 16? "The decision proved relatively straightforward, because I arrived at the moment where I knew I wasn't going to make it at the top level. I'm hugely grateful for the time I spent there but it became apparent where I felt I needed to go my own route, join a smaller club and play first-team games. Now I'm slowly climbing the ladder."
New Environment
It is the early part of the afternoon at the club's training ground but Galbraith has a commitment at 5pm: a learner's exam, another move in the direction of getting on the road. Prior to relocating to Sketty, the young professional was a frequent passenger in Swansea's dubbed fun bus, a small coach driven by academy staff, the drivers, which shuttles players to and from sessions and fixtures.
"I travel with the Portuguese player, Ronald, an Ivorian player – a former passenger used to be in it but has begun using his own car. It's pleasant to interact with the teammates but I'm aiming to be the next one out of the minibus and behind the wheel. His teammate likes to pull a few pranks; he's frequently playing tricks."
Public Engagement
While playing for Orient, Galbraith would mix with supporters on the Tube after starting his journey at his base. "I tried|I attempted|My aim
